Date: Thu, 14 Aug 97 14:18:18 EST
From: "NGLTF"
Subject: NGLTF CONDEMNS "CONVERSION" THERAPIES
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Mark F. Johnson, Media Director
mfjohnson@ngltf.org
202/332-6483 x3314
pager 1-800/757-6476
2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
http://www.ngltf.org
..............................................................
NGLTF CONDEMNS "CONVERSION" THERAPIES
Washington, DC---August 14, 1997---The National Gay and Lesbian
Task Force (NGLTF) said today that the American Psychological
Association (APA) did not go far enough in its vote on a resolution
regarding "reparative" or "conversion" therapy, a practice designed
to alter the sexual orientation of a non-heterosexual person. The
APA Council of Representatives meeting this week in Chicago, today
voted overwhelmingly to pass a "resolution on appropriate
therapeutic responses to sexual orientation."
The resolution affirmed that homosexuality is not a mental disorder
and that the APA opposes all portrayals of lesbian, gay and bisexual
people as mentally ill and in need of treatment due to their sexual
orientation. However, it stopped short of calling for an end to
conversion treatments. Task Force executive director Kerry Lobel,
in a letter to APA, had urged the organization to condemn the practice.
"Attempts to change an individual's sexual orientation through
conversion therapies are morally and ethically wrong," said Lobel.
"Such practices are a therapeutic perpetuation of the homophobia
that exists in society today. Equally repugnant are the coercive
tactics employed by some psychologists who attempt to lure clients
into treatment in the name of pseudo-science."
"The real victims of those misguided therapies are clients attempting
to bear the weight of homophobia in society and within their own
families," she argued. "As they seek counseling, they should experience
self-validation and support for living a healthy and full life regardless
of their sexual orientation. While some adults may give their consent
to conversion therapy, many are coerced into doing so. The most
vulnerable are young people at the mercy of confused parents or adult
guardians seeking to erase their own shame or guilt about their child's
sexual orientation. Allowing conversion treatments to remain a viable
option assures that many will endure potentially costly, painful, and
traumatic procedures that could increase rather than relieve suffering."
The APA declassified homosexuality as a mental illness in 1973. Recently,
there has been an increase in publicity around the use of conversion
therapies to alter homosexuality. For example, a June conference held
at Georgetown University provided a forum for such ideologues as Dr.
Joseph Nicolosi, head of the National Association for Research and
Therapy of Homosexuality, who believes that homosexuality cannot lead
to a happy and productive life. Lobel argued that, without a strong
APA statement to counter their basic assumptions, their claims gain
undeserved weight.
While she commended the APA's reiteration of its 1973 policy change as
well as efforts to ensure a fair and open therapeutic environment, Lobel
argued that "anything short of full condemnation for this repugnant
practice leaves the door open for reparative therapy's further escalation."
-30-
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate
prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual and
transgendered people at the local, state and national level since its
inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice movement for
freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a world that respects
and celebrates the diversity of human expression and identity where
all people may fully participate in society.
_________________________________________
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